Afenifere Leader Pa Fasoranti Dies At 100
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR
Yoruba elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization.
- Born: May 11, 1926 in Akure, Ondo State. He just celebrated 100 years in May 2026.
- Education: St. Andrews Primary School Owo, Ondo Boys High School, Yaba Higher College Lagos, University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan) – English/Geography, Postgraduate Diploma in Education – University of Hull, UK, and Masters in Education Administration – Maguire University, Sydney, Australia
- Career as Teacher: Started as a teacher and became principal. Taught at Ondo Boys High School, was Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School, and Christ School Ado-Ekiti. Later founded his own schools: Omolere Nursery & Primary School, Akure High School, and St. Frances Academy, Igoba (named after his late wife)
- Politics: Disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Joined Action Group (AG) in First Republic, and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Second Republic. Served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State 1979-1983 under Governor Adekunle Ajasin. Known for prudent financial management.
- Afenifere Leadership:Rose to become the leader of Afenifere after the era of Abraham Adesanya. Known for insisting on federalism, justice and equity.
- Personal:Lost his wife Frances about 31 years ago and never remarried. Lost his daughter Funke Olakunrin in 2019.
He is regarded as one of the last surviving Awoists and a bridge between First Republic politics and today.